Blood Power: Mimetic Rivalry and Patrilineal Descent of Sacrificial Ritual :: Myth

Blood Power: Mimetic Rivalry and Patrilineal Descent of Sacrificial Ritual PERFORMANCE NOTES This piece includes three movements. Each movement depicts a mythic or ritual relationship between women’s blood and sacrifice. I have adapted each of these myths/rituals in some of my own words to create a narrative. In the first story, the sacrifice is not explicit, but has become a part of the ritual that reenacts the myth. The bloodletting that comprises the ritual reenactment does not result in death, but functions as a rite of passage for young boys and functions as a cathartic experience for communities of men, much as a ritual sacrifice is said to bond a community. [1] The ritual reenactment of this creation myth involves men making incisions on their arms and penises to simulate menstruation. The synchronicity of this action is key and is depicted not only in the group aspect of the ritual but in the process of shaking their bodies to spread blood on their own and others adjoining limbs. The rite of passage involves adult men entering the women’s area, where many generations of women are tending the children and working, snatching the young boys from their mother’s arms and taking them to the men’s camp, where they are covered in their own blood and that of other, elder men as well as red ochre only to be returned to their mother’s gaze, but not to their custody. This ritual takes place not only as a rite of passage, but also as a catalyst for group solidarity, before a hunt, or to bring the rains. [2] Movement I : A tale of the Wawilak Sisters and the Rainbow Snake This Aboriginal Australian creation myth is found predominantly in the northern and western regions of the country. There are many variations of this myth. The version you are about to read comes from Blood Relations: Menstruation and the Origins of Culture, by Chris Knight [3] . The Wawilak Sisters and the Rainbow Snake At the beginning of time, two sisters were traveling across the landscape giving names to the features of a previously unnamed world. One carried a child; the other was pregnant. They had both committed incest in their own country, the country of the Wawilak.

Sals Enlightenment in Mexico in Jack Kerouacs, On the Road Essays

In A Mexico Fellaheen from Lonesome Traveler, Jack Kerouac describes crossing the border between America and Mexico: "It's a great feeling of entering the Pure Land, especially because it's so close to dry faced Arizona and Texas and all over the Southwest B but you can find it, this feeling, this fellaheen feeling about life, that timeless gayety of people not involved in great cultural and civilization issues" (22). Mexico is at once "close to" America and yet distinct from it, a "Pure Land" removed from the fallout of Spengler's crumbling Western civilization. By acknowledging its primitive innocence, Kerouac calls attention to the difference between the ideal of freedom and pastoral harmony represented by Mexico and the reality of contemporary America. But more significantly, Kerouac describes later in the article the inherent contradictions of Mexico: in his experience with easily-accessible drugs, corrupt police, and fumbling novice bull-fighting, he also finds a profoundly rel igious people, and he is able to accept them without judgement as a complex mix of good and bad. As he says in that article, "I saw how everybody dies and nobody's going to care, I felt how awful it is to live just so you can die like a bull trapped in a screaming human ring" (33), but he ends with the understanding that "the world is permeated with roses of happiness all the time, but none of us know it. The happiness consists in realizing that it is all a great strange dream" (36). This vision of Mexico as a "Pure Land" with innate contradictions and complexity also appears in Kerouac's On the Road. In the final sections, Sal and Dean travel to Mexico City, but while Dean goes for kicks and to obtain a quick divorce, Sal goes for a different reas... ...na Baym. New York: Norton, 1998. 1072-1101 & 1126-43. Hunt, Tim. Kerouac's Crooked Road: Development of a Fiction. Hamden, Conn.: Archon, 1981. Kerouac, Jack. "Mexico Fellaheen" from Lonesome Traveler. 1960. New York: Grove, 1988. ---. On the Road. 1957. New York: Penguin, 1991. ---. Visions of Cody. 1960. New York: Penguin, 1993. Lardas, John. The Bop Apocalypse: The Religious Visions of Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs. Urbana: U of Illinois Press, 2001. Niebuhr, Rienhold. The Irony of American History. New York: Scribner's, 1952. Schaub, Thomas Hill. American Fiction in the Cold War. Madison: U of Wisconsin Press, 1991. Tytell, John. "The Beat Generation and the Continuing American Revolution." in Ed. Holly George-Warren. The Rolling Stone Book of the Beats: The Beat Generation and American Culture. New York: Hyperion, 1999. 55-67.

Evidence Based Practice In Nursing

INTRODUCTIONResearch studies are conducting all over the world, throughout the year . Research is conducted to improve the existing practices. If the study findings are implemented to practice only , the study is effective. Evidences getting from the study which are utilized into practice makes the profession more fruitful, bright and effective. Most nurse researchers want their findings to contribute to nursing practice and there is growing interest among nurses in basing their practice on solid research evidence RESEARCH UTILIZATION IN NURSING The terms research utilization and evidence based practice are used synonymously.Although there is overlap between these two concepts they are in fact distinct. Research Utilization is: â€Å"A process of using findings from conducting research to guide practice† (Titler, Mentes, Rake, Abbott, and Baumler, 1999). â€Å"The process by which scientifically produced knowledge is transferred to practice† (Brown, 1999) DIFFERENCES: N urses should not confuse EBP [Evidence Based Practice] with research utilization. While research utilization overlaps with some of the same philosophic threadworks of EBP, EBP goes beyond just the rigorous scientific research steps.Research Utilization refers to the review and critique of scientific research, and then the application of the findings to clinical practice. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) represents a broader concept. When clinicians use the EBP approach, they go beyond the expertise of clinicians and researchers, and consider the patient's preferences and values to guide patient care. THE RESEARCH UTILIZATION CONTINUM The start point of research utilization is the emergence of new knowledge and new ideas. Research is conducted and over time knowledge on new topic accumulates.In turn knowledge works its way to use to varying degrees and different rates. Theorists who have studied the phenomenon of knowledge development and diffusion of ideas typically recognize a continu um in terms of the specificity of the use to which research findings are put At one end of the continuum are discrete , clearly identifiable attempts to base specific actions on research findings. . This type of utilization has been referred to as instrumental utilization. Research findings can be used in a more diffuse manner. In a way that promote cumulative awareness, understanding or enlightment.Caplan and Rich [1975] refer to this as the end of the utilization continuum as conceptual utilization. Conceptual utilization then refers to situations in which users are influvanced in their thinking about an issue based on their knowledge of studies but do not put this knowledge to any specific , documentable use. The middle ground of this continuum involves the partial impact of research findings on nursing activities. This middle ground is the result of a slow evolutionary process that does not reflect a conscious decision to use an innovative procedure but rather reflects what Weis s termed knowledge creep and decision accretion.‘ knowledge creep’ refers to an evolving percolation of research ideas and findings. ‘Decision accretion’ refers to the manner in which momentum for a decision builds over time based on accumulated information gained through informal discussions , readings , meetings and so on. Increasingly now a days nurses are making conscious decisions to use research in their clinical practice and the EBP movement has contributed to this change. Estrabooks [1999] studied research utilization and found evidence to support three distinct types of research utilization.Indirect research utilization: involving changes in nurses’ thinking and therefore analogous to conceptual utilization. Direct research utilization: involving the direct use of findings in giving patient care and therefore analogous to instrumental utilization. Persuasive utilization: involving the utilization of of findings to persuade [typically those i n decision making positions] to make changes in policies or practices relevant to nursing care.These varying ways of thinking about research utilization clearly suggest that both quantitative and qualitative research can play key roles in guiding and improving nursing practice The research utilization process; Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory Rogers’ theory is one of the most accepted theories that has developed models of how knowledge gets disseminated and used. It has influvanced several research utilization projects in the nursing community. Rogers postulate that knowledge diffusion is an evolutionary process by which an innovation is communicated over time to members of a social system.The key elements in this process, all of which influence the rate and extent of innovation, adoption include the following, 1. The innovation is a new idea, practice or procedure that if adopted will result in changes the nature of innovation strongly affects the decision about adoption. 2. Communication channels are the media through which information about the innovation is transmitted and can include both mass media or individual face to face communication. Communication is most effective when there are shared believes , values and expectations on the part of the sender and receiver of information.3.  Time is component of theory in that the process of knowledge diffusion occurs over time. There are varying amounts of time that elapse between the creation of knowledge and its dissemination and between knowledge awareness and the decision to use or reject the innovation 4. The social system is the set of interrelated units that solve the problems and seek to accomplish a common goal. Diffusion occurs within the social system that vary in their norms and receptivity to innovations Rogers Characterized the innovation adoption process as having five stages knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation.During the knowledge stage individu als or groups become aware of the innovation and during the persuasion stage they form appositive attitude towards it. In the decision stage , a choice is made about whether to adopt or reject the innovation. The innovation is actually put into use during the implementation stage. Finally the effectiveness of the innovation is evaluated during the confirmation stage, and decisions get made about continuation or discontinuation of the innovation. Recent research on utilization has challenged the linear nature of the process Evidence-based practice.During the 1980s, the term â€Å"evidence-based medicine† emerged to describe the approach that uses scientific evidence to determine the best practice. Later, the term shifted to become â€Å"evidence-based practice† as clinicians other than physicians recognized the importance of scientific evidence in clinical decision-making. Various definitions of evidence-based practice (EBP) have emerged in the literature, but the most commonly used definition is, â€Å"the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients† (Sackett, Rosenberg, Gray, Hayes, & Richardson, 1996).Subsequently, experts began to talk about evidence-based healthcare as a process by which research evidence is used in making decisions about a specific population or group of patients. Evidence-based practice and evidence-based healthcare assume that evidence is used in the context of a particular patient’s preferences and desires, the clinical situation, and the expertise of the clinician. They also expect that healthcare professionals can read, critique, and synthesize research findings and interpret existing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.Definitions of research utilization, quality improvement, and nursing research Evidence-based practice is not research utilization, quality improvement, or nursing research, although it may be rela ted to each of these processes. For example, quality improvement projects may be evidence-based, and the findings may contribute to other EBP or research initiatives. Also, an evidence-based practice project can lead to a research study or quality improvement initiative. What is research utilization? For decades, nurses have used available research to guide nursing practice and their efforts to improve patient outcomes.This process involved critical analysis and evaluation of research findings and then determining how they fit into clinical practice. Incorporating pertinent research findings into clinical practice (and evaluating the changes’ effectiveness), helps close the gap between research and practice. More recently, research utilization efforts in nursing have been replaced by evidence-based practice, What is quality or performance improvement? Quality, clinical, or performance improvement focuses on systems, processes, and functional, clinical, satisfaction, and cost outcomes.Typically, quality improvement efforts are not designed to develop nursing practice standards or nursing science, but they may contribute to understanding best practices or the processes of care in which nurses are actively involved. A commonly accepted view is that quality improvement activities in healthcare are not intended to generate scientific knowledge but rather to serve as management tools to improve the processes and outcomes within a specific healthcare organization or setting.More recently, experts have focused on improving care by examining and working within clinical Microsystems or the specific places where patients, families, and care teams meet (Nelson, et al. , 2002). To improve and maintain quality, safety, and efficiency, clinical teams must blend analysis, change, and measurement into their efforts to redesign care within these clinical Microsystems. Quality improvement initiatives generally address clinical problems or issues, examine clinical processe s, and use specific indicators to help evaluate clinical performance.Data are collected and analyzed to help understand both the process and the related outcomes. The findings help contribute to efforts to achieve and maintain continuous improvement through ongoing monitoring and improvement activities. Quality improvement projects vs. research projects Many have asked whether quality improvement projects are the same as research projects—they are not. In clinical practice, these efforts may seem similar in that, for example, both may seek answers to clinical problems and use similar data collection and analysis methods.However, factors that may differ include participant or subject recruitment, the study’s methods, and how the results are used. For example, in most quality improvement activities, the participants generally are the patients within a specific clinical micro system. In research efforts, the investigator recruits human subjects using approaches that will ensure a representative sample of the population. In many improvement activities, the intervention may change as it is evaluated, whereas in a research study the treatment or intervention remains the same.Furthermore, in most quality improvement initiatives, the healthcare team is trying to solve a problem in a particular setting instead of trying to generalize the results of the study to other settings and populations. Although it might be helpful to learn about the activities and experience of other improvement teams, their findings may not apply to or be appropriate in other settings or patient populations. The intent of research, however, is to develop new knowledge that can be generalized to other similar populations and clinical settings.Despite the differences between research and quality improvement projects, however, one must consider the protection of human subjects in both. To ensure that you adequately protect the rights of patients or subjects, always ask an Institution al Review Board (IRB) to review the research proposal or quality improvement project before implementing the study and beginning data collection. Also note that, whether the effort is research or quality improvement, one goal may be to disseminate the results of the project in a published paper or oral report.For any dissemination project, address adequate human subject protection and adherence with the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) guidelines before beginning the improvement project or research study. Individuals involved in either quality improvement or research projects should seek advice from their organization’s IRB, privacy officer, and risk management department to ensure that data are managed in a manner consistent with any pertinent federal or state regulations and organizational policies and procedures..Multidisciplinary effort Within clinical settings, many such opportunities exist for both nursing and multidisciplinary impro vement efforts. Improvement activities for nursing can be as simple as reducing time in giving verbal report or improving compliance with documentation requirements. Multidisciplinary collaborative efforts may address complex health issues, such as the care of acute myocardial infarction patients or individuals with community-acquired pneumonia.These initiatives are becoming more important in acute care hospitals as the national focus on public reporting increases. Such efforts help consumers compare the quality of care that various hospitals provide. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); various organizations that represent hospitals, doctors, and employers; accrediting organizations; other federal agencies; and the public have combined efforts to develop Hospital Compare and, thus, have made key clinical outcome measures available to the public.In this way, the public can monitor performance indicators to related common medical conditions and certain evidence-based i nterventions that are consistent with achieving the best patient outcomes. Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams creates opportunities to address clinical problems and issues using various perspectives and expertise. Nurses play key roles in such efforts and often benefit from the synergy that can be realized by working with others interested in or concerned about the problem.The group can work together while measuring their progress against pre-determined objectives What is nursing research? Nursing research involves systematic inquiry specifically designed to develop, refine, and extend nursing knowledge. As part of a clinical and professional discipline, nurses have a unique body of knowledge that addresses nursing practice, administration, and education. Nurse researchers examine problems of specific concern to nurses and the patients, families, and communities they serve. Nursing research methods may be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed (i.e. , triangulated):†¢ In quantitative studies, researchers use objective, quantifiable data (such as blood pressure or pulse rate) or use a survey instrument to measure knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or experiences †¢ Qualitative researchers use methods such as interviews or narrative analyses to help understand a particular phenomenon †¢ Triangulated approaches use both quantitative and qualitative methods Regardless of the method they use, researchers must adhere to certain approaches to ensure both the quality and the accuracy of the data and related analyses.The intent of each approach is to answer questions and develop knowledge using the scientific method. Examples of nursing research projects Examples of nursing research projects include the following: †¢ Randomized clinical trial examining best practice for orthopedic-pin site care †¢ Efficacy of examination gloves for simple dressing changes †¢ Reliability of methods used to determine nasogastric tube placement †¢ The effects of relaxation and guided imagery on preoperative anxiety †¢ Quality of life in patients with chronic pain†¢ The relationship of a preoperative teaching program for joint replacement surgery and patient outcomes The scientific method involves collecting observable, measurable, and verifiable data in a prescribed manner so as to describe, explain, or predict outcomes. For example, one might collect data to describe the effects of massage on blood pressure, explain decreased needs for sedation, or predict lower levels of anxiety. Research methods demand that the collected data remain objective and not be influenced by the researcher’s hypotheses, beliefs, or values.In the massage example, the researcher could easily bias the results by administering the massages or collecting the data. Using certain approaches to subject recruitment, performing faulty data collection, and not controlling for other confounding variables also can bias research findings. Therefor e, when developing a study proposal, the researcher must develop a plan that minimizes these risks and supports the development of reliable information and results. EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE EBP begins with search for information about how best to solve the specific problems.Findings from rigorous research are considered the best possible source of information but EBP also draws on other sources. A basic feature of EBP is that it deemphasizes decision making based on custom, opinion of the authority, or ritual. Rather the emphasis is on identifying the best available research evidence and integrating it with clinical expertise, patient input and existing resources. EBP movement has both supporters and critics. Supporters say that EBP offers a solution to sustaining high health care quality or in our cost constrained environment.Their position is that a rational approach is needed for providing best possible care to most people, with most cost effective use of resources. Critics worry that the advantages of EBP are exaggerated and that individual clinical judgments and patient inputs are being devalued. TYPE OF EVIDENCE AND EVIDENCE HIERARCHIES Positions about what constitutes useful evidence have loosened, but there have been efforts to develop evidence hierarchies that rank studies according to the strength of evidence they provide.The most accepted hierarchy is given below 1. Meta analysis of controlled studies 2. Individual experimental studies 3. Quasi experimental studies [eg; time series, non equalant control group] or matched case control studies 4. Non experimental studies [eg; co relational studies , descriptive and qualitative studies] 5. Programme evaluations, research utilization studies, quality improvement projects, case reports 6. Opinions of respected authorities and expert committeesThe nine alternative sources include Bench marking data, Cost effectiveness analysis, Pathophysiologic data, Retrospective or concurrent chart review, Quality improv ement and risk data, international, national , and local standards, institutional data collected for infection control purposes, patient preferences and clinical expertise EBP implications for nurses Nurses serve instrumental roles in ensuring and providing evidence-based practice. They must continually ask the questions, â€Å"What is the evidence for this intervention? † or â€Å"How do we provide best practice?† and â€Å"Are these the highest achievable outcomes for the patient, family, and nurse? †Nurses are also well positioned to work with other members of the healthcare team to identify clinical problems and use existing evidence to improve practice. Numerous opportunities exist for nurses to question current nursing practices and use evidence to make care more effective. Nurses throughout the country also have been involved in multidisciplinary efforts to reduce the number and severity of falls and pressure ulcers/injuries. Such projects can help save m oney and improve care processes and outcomes.By implementing existing evidence-based guidelines related to falls and pressure ulcers/injuries, care has improved, and the number and severity of negative outcomes have decreased. Importance of evidence-based practice Evidence-based practice helps nurses provide high-quality patient care based on research and knowledge rather than because â€Å"this is the way we have always done it,† or based on traditions, myths, hunches, advice of colleagues, or outdated textbooks. Why is EBP important to nursing practice? †¢ It results in better patient outcomes †¢ It contributes to the science of nursing †¢ It keeps practice current and relevant†¢ It increases confidence in decision-making †¢ Policies and procedures are current and include the latest research †¢ Integration of EBP into nursing practice is essential for high-quality patient care often, nurses feel that they are using â€Å"evidence† to gui de practice, but their sources of evidence are not research-based In a study conducted by Thompson, et al. , (2003), nurses reported that the most helpful knowledge source was experience or advice from colleagues or patients. Of concern were reports that up-to-date electronic resources that included evidence-based materials were not useful to nurses in clinical practice.This barrier contributes to significant gaps in clinicians applying research findings to practice and dissemination of innovations. The failure to use evidence results in care that is of lower quality, less effective, and more expensive (Berwick, 2003). Evidence-based practice can be easier for nurses to use if they refer to already-developed evidence based or clinical practice guidelines. Numerous expert groups have already undertaken systematic efforts to develop guidelines to help both healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about care interventions.Guideline developers use a systematic approach to critique the existing research, rate the strength of the evidence, and establish practice guidelines. The overall goal of these types of efforts focuses on guiding practice and minimizing the variability in care MODELS FOR EVIDENCE BASED NURSING PRACTICE During the 1980,s and 1990’s a number of different models of research utilization were developed. These models offered guidelines for designing and implementing a utilization project in a practice setting. The most prominent of these models were the Stetler model and The Iowa model.These two models were updated to incorporate the EBP process rather than research utilistion alone. THE STETLER MODEL The Stetler model of research utilization was designed with the assumption that research utilization could be undertaken not only by organizations , but by individual clinicians and managers. It was a model designed to promote and facilitate critical thinking about the application of research findings in practice. The updated and refined model is based on many of the same assumptions and strategies as the original but provides an enhanced approach to the overall application of research in the service setting.The current model involves five sequential phases 1. Preparation ;- in this phase the nurse defines the underlying process, purpose and outcome of the project ; search, sort, and select sources of research evidence; consider the external factors that can influence potential application and internal factors that can diminish the objectivity and affirm the priority of the perceived problem. 2. Validation ;- This phase involves a utilization focused critique of each source of evidence focusing in particular on whether it is sufficiently sound for potential application in practice.The process stops at this point if the evidence sources are rejected. 3. Comprehensive evaluation and decision making ;- this phase involves the synthesis of findings and the application of four criteria that , taken together are used to determine the desirability and feasibility of applying findings from validated sources to nursing practice. These criteria include Fit for setting:- Similarity of characteristics of samples to your client population. Similarity of study’s environment to the one which you work FeasibilityPotential risk for implementation to patients, staff and organization Readiness for change among those who would be involved in a change in practice Resources requirements and availability Current practice Congruency of the study with theoretical basis for current practice behaviour Substantiating evidence Availability of confirming evidences from other studies Availability of confirming evidences from Meta analysis or integrative review The end result of comprehensive evaluation is to make a decision about using the study findings. If the decision is a rejection, no further steps are necessary4.  Translation/ Application;- this phase involves activities to Confirm how the findings w ill be used formally or informally Spell out the operational details of application and implement them. It involves the development of a guideline, detailed procedure, or plan of action, possibly including plans for formal organizational charge. 5. Evaluation:- in this final phase the application is evaluated. Informal use of the innovation versus formal use would lead to different evaluative strategies.Although the Stetler Model originally was designed as a tool for individual practitioners, it has also been the basis for  formal research utilization and EBP projects by group nurses. THE IOWA MODEL Efforts to use research evidence to improve nursing practice are often addressed by groups of nurses interested in the same practice issue. Formal EBP projects typically have followed systematic procedures using one of several models that have been followed systematic procedures using one of the several models that have been developed, such as The Iowa Model of the research in practice . The model was renamed as Iowa Model of Evidence Based Practice to Promote Quality Care.The current version of the Iowa Model acknowledges that a formal EBP project begins with a trigger- an impetus to explore possible changes to practice. The start point can be either a knowledge focused trigger that that emerges from awareness of innovative research findings and thus follows a more traditional research utilization path, or a problem focused trigger that has its roots in a clinical or organizational problem and thus follows a path that more closely resembles ad EBP path. The model outlines a series of activities with three critical decision points. 1.Deciding whether the problem is a sufficient priority for the organization exploring the possible changes; if yes a team is formed to proceed with the project ; if no a new trigger will be sought. 2. Deciding whether there is a sufficient research base ; if yes , the innovation is piloted in the practice setting; if no , the team woul d either search for other sources of evidence or conduct its own research. 3. Deciding whether the change is appropriate for adoption in practice ; if yes a change would be instituted and monitored; if no the team would continue to evaluate quality of care and search for new knowledge.The 5 steps of EBN 1. SELECT A TOPIC OR PROBLEM The first step is to select a topic. Ideas come from different sources but are categorized in two areas: Problem-focused triggers and Knowledge focused triggers. When selecting a topic, nurses should formulate questions that are likely to gain support from people within the organization. An interdisciplinary medical team should work together to come up with an agreement about the topic selection. The priority of the topic should be considered as well as the severity of the problem.Nurses should consider whether the topic would apply to many or few clinical areas. Also, the availability of solid evidence should be considered because providing proof of the research will increase staffs' willingness to implement into nursing practice. Problem & Knowledge Focused Triggers Problem focused triggers are identified by health care staff through quality improvement, risk surveillance, benchmarking data, financial data, or recurrent clinical problems. Problem focused triggers could be clinical problems, or risk management issues.Knowledge focused triggers are created when health care staff read research, listen to research conferences or encounter EBP guidelines published by federal agencies or organizations. Knowledge based triggers could be new research findings that further enhance nursing, or new practice guidelines. It is important that individuals work closely together to reach the optimum outcome for the chosen topic. Some things that would ensure collaboration are working in groups to review performance improvement data, brainstorming about ideas, and achieving consensus about the final selection.With both types of triggers, it is impo rtant to ensure that there is a general consensus about the importance of the problem and the need for improving practice. The method of selecting a topic does not appear to have any bearing on the success of an EBP project. What is important however is that the nursing staff who will implement an innovation are involved in topic selection and that key stake holders are â€Å"on board. † 2 . FORM A TEAM TO ASSEMBLE AND EVALUATE EVIDENCE Some might become overwhelmed when they first learn about EBP and apply it for reasons other than improvement of patient care.Forming a team increases the chance of EBP being adopted. A team becomes paramount in implementation, and evaluation of the EBP. It is important to have representatives of the team from authority members of the organization and also grassroots members. It is also important to consider interdisciplinary involvement to decrease rejection, and for all to have an understanding of the project. All these individuals have a gr eat impact on the possibility of successful implementation.Other factors to put into consideration include power figures in the organization that may directly or indirectly sabotage the efforts if they are not consulted, and fully included in EBP implementation. The EBP team should have explanations that clearly define the types of patients, setting, outcomes, interventions and exposures. This should be in simplified language that is comprehensible to a lay person. The role of the practitioners is remarkable in any meaningful gains, they are therefore inevitable and their role becomes pivotal.The approach they adopt and their ability to educate the co-workers, answer their questions, and clarify any misconceptions greatly improves the outcomes. In doing a literature reviews background for a new study, a central goal is to discover where the gaps are and how best to advance knowledge. For EBP projects which typically have as end products, prescriptive practice protocols or guidelines , literature reviews are typically much more formalized. The emphasis is on amassing comprehensive information on the topic, weighing pieces of evidence and integrating information to draw conclusions about the state of knowledge.Commentators have noted that integrative reviews have become the cornerstone of EBP. If an integrative view already exists it is wise to make sure that it is as up-to-date as possible and that new findings published after the review are taken into account. Moreover, even a published integrative review needs to be critiqued and the validity of its conclusions assessed 3. ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION POTENTIAL One of the most challenging issues in using EBP in the clinical setting is learning how to adequately frame a clinical question so that an appropriate literature review can be performed.When forming a clinical question the following should be included: the disorder or disease of the patient, the intervention or finding being reviewed, possibly a compari son intervention, and the outcome An acronym used to remember this is called the â€Å"PICO† model: P = who is the Patient Population? I = what is the potential Intervention or area of Interest? C = is there a Comparison intervention or Control group? O = what is the desired Outcome? Once the topic is selected, the research relevant to the topic must be reviewed, in addition to other relevant literature.It is important that clinical studies, (including meta-analyses, metasyntheses and meta-aggregation) and well-known and reliable existing EBP guidelines are accessed in the literature retrieval process. With the internet at one’s fingertips, a plethora of research is just a few clicks away. However, just because you found it in a respectable journal does not signify high quality research. When reviewing any article for evidence retrieval read it very closely. Articles can appear to be precise and factual on the surface but with further and much closer examination, flaws can be found.The article can be loaded with opinionated and/or biased statements that would clearly taint the findings, thus lowering the creditability and quality of the article. Use of rating systems to determine the quality of the research is crucial to the development of EBP. There are several rating systems available online. Time management is crucial to information retrieval. Nurses making their way through the vast amount of research available may find it helpful to read research articles or critical reviews instead of clinical journals.To maintain high standards for EBP implementation, education in research review is necessary to distinguish good research from poorly conducted research. Equally important is that the materials being reviewed, consider if they are current. To assess the implementation potential of an innovation in a particular setting several issues should be considered particularly the transferability of the innovation, the feasibility of implementing it, an d it’s cost benefit ratio Transferability :- The main issue with regard to transferability is that whether it makes good sense to implement an innovation in the new practice setting.If there is some aspect of the practice setting that is fundamentally incongruent with the innovation in terms of its philosophy, types of client served, personal, financial or administrative structure, then it might make little sense to try to adapt the innovation Feasibility :- Assessing the feasibility concerns address various practical concerns about the availability of staff resources, the organizational climate, the need for and availability of external resources and assistance and the potential for clinical evaluation.An important issue here is that whether the nurse will have control over the innovation. When the nurse do not have full control over the new procedure, it is important to recognize the interdependent nature of the project and to proceed as early as possible to establish the n ecessary co operative arrangements. Cost benefit ratio:- It is an important aspect of EBP project innovation. The cost benefit assessment should encompass likely cost and benefits to various groups including clients, staff and the overall organization.Clearly the most important factor is the client. A cost benefit assessment should consider the opposite side of the coin as well that is the cost and benefits of not instituting an innovation. Documentation of the implementation potential is an innovation is highly recommended. Committing ideas to writing is useful because it can resolve ambiguities, serve as a problem solving tool if there are barriers to implementation , and be used to persuade others of the value of the project. 4.APPLY THE EVIDENCE/IMPLEMENTING AND EVALUATING THE INNOVATION After determining the internal and external validity of the study, a decision is arrived at whether the information gathered does apply to your initial question. It’s important to address questions related to diagnosis, therapy, harm, and prognosis. The information gathered should be interpreted according to many criteria and should always be shared with other nurses and/or fellow researcher. Building on the Iowa model, this phase of project likely would involve the following activities Developing an evaluation planCollecting baseline data pertaining to those outcomes, to develop a counterfactual against which the outcomes of the innovation would be assessed. Developing a written EBP guideline based on the synthesis of evidence, preferably a guideline that is clear and user friendly, and that uses such devises as flow charts and decision trees. Training relevant staff in the use of the new guideline and if necessary marketing the innovation to users so that it is given in a fair test.Trying the guideline out on one or more unit or with a sample of clients Evaluating the pilot project in terms of both processes and outcomes. 5. DISSEMINATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE PRO JECT It is the final optional step but it is the one which is highly advisable. It is done so that the results of the project can be disseminated to other participating staff members. How to Critique a Research Article The critiquing process is the building block and foundation for the multiple steps that are to follow in the successful implementation of EBP.This is so because you must first ensure that the material and research that you are trying to convince others to accept is reliable and accurate. By taking the time to thoroughly critique a study you can point out both the strengths and weaknesses of the findings and weigh them accordingly. Successful completion of this vital step will help â€Å"weed out† the material lacking the needed proof of effectiveness, therefore minimizing useless, or even harmful, implementation of new practices in the healthcare field.Once the literature is located, it is helpful to classify the articles as either conceptual (theory and clinic al articles) or data-based (systematic research reviews). Before reading and critiquing the research, it is useful to read theoretical and clinical articles to have a broad view of the nature of the topic and related concepts, and to then review existing EBP guidelines Critiquing criteria are the standards, evaluation guides, or questions used to judge (critique) an article.In analyzing a research report, the reader must evaluate each step of the research process and ask questions about whether each step of the process meets the criteria. Remember when you are doing a critique, you are pointing out strengths, as well as the weaknesses. To critique an article you must have some knowledge on the subject matter. There is no replacement for reading the article many times. The reader must search the article for contradictions, illogical statements, and faulty reasoning.It is important to evaluate every section of the research article. Each section has different criteria to meet, in order to be considered a well-written addition to the article. What are the barriers to implementing evidence-based practice? The barriers that prevent nurses from using research in everyday practice have been cited in numerous studies, and some common findings have emerged Nurses often report the following: †¢ Lack of value for research in practice †¢ Difficulty in changing practice†¢ Lack of administrative support †¢ Lack of knowledgeable mentors †¢ Insufficient time to conduct research †¢ Lack of education about the research process †¢ Lack of awareness about research or evidence-based practice †¢ Research reports/articles not readily available †¢ Difficulty accessing research reports and articles †¢ No time on the job to read research †¢ Complexity of research reports†¢ Lack of knowledge about EBP and critique of articles †¢ Feeling overwhelmed by the processDespite these barriers, nurses are engaging in EBP and making a difference in patient outcomes. Furthermore, barriers can be overcome through organizational efforts focused on integrating research in practice and using strategies such as journal clubs, nursing grand rounds, and having research articles available for review The use of evidence based practice depends a great deal on the nursing student's proficiency at understanding and critiquing the research articles and the associated literature that will be presented to them in the clinical setting.According to, Blythe Royal, author of Promoting Research Utilization in nursing: The Role of the Individual, Organization, and Environment, a large amount of the preparation requirements of nursing students consists of creating care plans for patients, covering in depth processes of pathophysiology, and retaining the complex information of pharmacology. These are indeed very important for the future of patient care, but their knowledge must consist of more when they begin to practice.Evidence base d nursing in an attempt to facilitate the management of the growing literature and technology accessible to healthcare providers that can potentially improve patient care and their outcomes. Nancy Dickenson-Hazard states, â€Å"Nurses have the capacity to serve as caregivers and change agents in creating and implementing community and population-focused health systems. † There is also a need to overcome the barriers to encourage the use of research by new graduates in an attempt to ensure familiarity with the process.This will help nurses to feel more confident and be more willing to engage in evidence based nursing. A survey that was established by the Honour Society of Nursing and completed by registered nurses proved that 69% have only a low to moderate knowledge of EBP and half of those that responded did not feel sure of the steps in the process. Many responded, â€Å"Lack of time during their shift is the primary challenge to researching and applying EBP. † There is always and will always be a desire to improve the care of our patients.The ever increasing cost of healthcare and the need for more accuracy in the field proves a cycle in need of evidence based healthcare. The necessity to overcome the current issues is to gain knowledge from a variety of literature not just the basics. There is a definite need for nurses, and all practitioners, to have an open mind when dealing with the modern inventions of the future because these could potentially improve the health of patients. There are many barriers to promoting evidence based practice.The first of which would be the practitioner's ability to critically appraise research. This includes having a considerable amount of research evaluation skills, access to journals, and clinic/hospital support to spend time on EBN. Time, workload pressures, and competing priorities can impede research and development. The causes of these barriers include nurse's and other professional practitioners lack of knowledge of research methods, lack of support from professional colleagues and organizations, and lack of confidence and authority in the research arena.Another barrier is that the practice environment can be resistant to changing tried and true conventional methods of practice. This can be caused because of reluctance to believe results of research study over safe, traditional practices, cost of adopting new practices, or gaining momentum to rewrite existing protocols It is important to show nurses who may be resistant to changes in nursing practice the benefits that nurses, their patients, and their institutions can reap from the implementation of evidence-based nursing practice, which is to provide better nursing care.Values, resources and evidence are the three factors that influence decision-making with regard to health care. All registered nurses and health care professionals should be taught to read and critically interpret research and know where to find articles which rela te to their field of care. In addition, nurses need to be more aware of how to assess the information and determine its applicability to their practice. Another barrier to implementing EBN into practice is lack of continuing education programs.Practices do not have the means to provide workshops to teach new skills due to lack of funding, staff, and time; therefore, the research may be tossed dismissed. If this occurs, valuable treatments may never be utilized in patient care. Not only will the patients suffer but the staff will not have the opportunity to learn a new skill. Also, the practitioners may not be willing to implement change regardless of the benefits to patient care. Another barrier to introducing newly learned methods for improving treatments or patients' health is the fear of â€Å"stepping on one's toes†.New nurses might feel it is not their place to suggest or even tell a superior nurse that newer, more efficient methods and/or practices are available. The pe rceived threat to clinical freedom offered by evidence-based practice is neither logical nor surprising. Resistance to change and to authority is part of human nature. When we make decisions based upon good quality information we are inconsistent and biased. Human nature offers many challenges to evidence-based practice. Can we do a better job of promoting evidence-based practice?And even if we find and use the evidence, will we make consistent unbiased decisions? Even if clinicians do act consistently it is possible that their decisions are consistently biased. People put different values on gains and losses. CONCLUSION Nursing is truly an art and a science. EBP not only provides elements of each aspect, but also contributes to the profession’s overall development. As a result EBP improves everyday practice in by providing empirical data to guide the nursing interventions. Use of research in EBP provides opportunity for research utilisation by all in the field of profession.

Engineering Education in Ghana

2.2.4 EducationEducation serves as an engine for economic growing through the accretion of human capital. Education is strongly associated with boosting degrees of societal capital ( Campbell, 2006 ) . the act or procedure of leaving or geting general cognition, developing the powers of concluding and judgement, and by and large of fixing oneself or others intellectually for mature life ( Dictionary.com, 2014 ) .2.2.5 ENGINEERING EducationEngineering instruction is the activity of learning cognition and rules related to the professional pattern of technology. It includes the initial instruction for going an applied scientist and any advanced instruction and specialisations that follow. Engineering instruction is typically accompanied by extra scrutinies and supervised preparation as the demands for a professional technology licence.2.3 Technology Education IN GHANA OVER THE YEARSEngineering instruction in the so Gold Coast dates back to the 1930’s. In August 1931, the Colonial Government requested Achimota College in Accra to form an technology class to develop Africans for senior assignments in the Public Works Department, the railroads and subsequently, the mines. The class, which was based on the external grade course of study of the University of London, consisted of four and a half old ages of survey at Achimota, followed by between three and four old ages of structured post-graduation practical preparation. Initially, the class offered at Achimota led to grades in electrical, mechanical and civil technology, but with the enlargement of activities in the excavation sector in the Gold Coast, it became necessary for the School to spread out its class offerings to include excavation technology. In malice of the troubles it experienced, the Achimota Engineering School managed to turn out a sum of 25 applied scientists before the start of the Second World War compelled it to close down. These applied scientists were to play cardinal functions in the imme diate post-independence development of Ghana and besides served in other African states every bit good as working for international bureaus. With the constitution of the University College of the Gold Coast in Legon, Accra in 1948, university instruction was phased out of the Achimota College campus. Unfortunately, no proviso was made for the transportation of the technology classs to the new University College, therefore the preparation of applied scientists was interrupted between 1948 and 1952 when a School of Engineering was once more established as portion of the new Kumasi College of Technology and the equipment, and some staff of the Achimota Engineering School transferred to Kumasi to organize the karyon of the new school. From 1952 to 1955, the School of Engineering prepared its pupils for rank of the assorted Professional Institutions in the United Kingdom. The formal preparation of alumnus applied scientists of assorted specialisations commenced in 1955 in particular rela tionship with the University of London and pupils were prepared to take Partss I, II and III of the University of London Bachelor of Science ( Engineering ) External grade scrutinies. The first professional applied scientists produced by the Kumasi School of Engineering, who were all civil applied scientists, graduated with the university of London External B.Sc. ( Eng. ) grade in June 1959. The School of Engineering began to present its ain technology grades in June 1964.2.3.1 Technology Education FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTRelevance of technology plans to the demands of industry has sometimes been interpreted as a state of affairs in which the merchandises of an technology plan are to be trained to be of immediate usage to industry after small or no post-graduation preparation. Pressures, hence, be given to be put on African technology modules to cut down on the content of the theoretical facets of their classs in favour of vocational facets – force per unit areas which are, i n bend, frequently ferociously resisted by technology pedagogues. Yet, technology plans in African Universities stand to derive enormously when there is active co-operation between technology pedagogues and the chief consumers of technology work force based on common regard and clear grasp of the functions of the assorted stakeholders. It is besides anticipated that the technological spread between the developed and the underdeveloped universe will go even wider in the twenty-first Century, therefore, doing technology preparation even more situation-specific. This will intend that Ghana will hold to depend even more on her national establishments for the preparation of the technology work force relevant to their development demands. It will, hence, be necessary for the professional associations and the preparation establishments in Africa to co-operate even more closely in specifying the content of the technology course of study of the twenty-first Century.2.4 DESIGNING AN ENGINEERI NG SCHOOL2.4.1CONDUSIVE TEACHING EnvironmentTo forestall the assorted jobs pupils and lectors face in the schoolroom, it is of import to set into consideration the agreement of the schoolroom. Savage 2009 indicates that, the physical agreement of schoolrooms plays a prima function in the character defining of pupils and goes a long manner in bettering the academic public presentation of pupils. If a schoolroom is non good designed, it affects the end product of pupils, hence hindering on the intent for which talks are intended. The research on schoolroom environments suggests that schoolrooms should be organized to suit a assortment of activities throughout the twenty-four hours and to run into the teacher’s instructional ends ( Savage, 1999 ; Weinstein, 1992 ) . The criterions for finding what spacial lay-out is most appropriate to carry through these maps include: ways to maximise the teacher’s ability to see and be seen by all his or her pupils ; ease easiness of mo tion throughout the schoolroom ; minimize distractions so that pupils are best able to actively prosecute in faculty members ; supply each pupil and the instructor with his or her ain personal infinite ; and guaranting that each pupil can see presentations and stuffs posted in the schoolroom. Seating agreement in talk halls are really important since it indicates whether there will be societal exchanges in the category is task behaviorally delighting. It is besides really important to forestall high traffic countries in schoolroom designs, such as waste basket countries. Critically, it is really of import that, pupils have a clear position of the lector at every point in clip ( Quin et al. , 2000 ) . In making so, the lector should besides be giving freedom in his motion through the talk room or schoolroom. There is some grounds that it is utile to restrict ocular and audile stimulation that may deflect pupils with attending and behaviour jobs ( Bettenhausen, 1998 ; Cummings, Quinn et al. , 2000 ) . The physical agreement of the schoolroom can function as a powerful setting event for supplying pupils effectual direction and facilitate ( or inhibit ) positive instruction or learning interactions. As with other facets of direction, the physical agreement of the schoolroom should be brooding of the diverse cultural and lingual features of the pupils and be consistent with specific scholar demands.2.4.2 STAIRWAYSStairwaies are seen as connections between at least two different degrees. Vertical risers and horizontal paces are connected to stairss over a incline. It can besides be defined as a system of stairss by which people and objects may go through from one degree of a edifice to another. One of the most critical parts of school traffic design is the staircase, which should be located in relation to the inclusive traffic form, maintaining in head burden distribution, safety, finish of pupils between periods and riddance of cross traffic. The staircases should be designed for unsophisticated, fast, and safe motion of male childs and misss. Stairways non merely supply entree to and from assorted floor degrees, but they are used at every period for the perpendicular circulation of pupils altering categories. It is of import that staircases should be designed to guarantee that male childs and misss with books under their weaponries may walk side by side to avoid congestion ; a breadth of 4 pess 8 inches to 5 pess between bannisters is recommended. Stairwaies should be of fireproof building, taking straight to the out-of-doorss. They should be equipped with smoke-control installations, dividing the stairwells from the corridors which they serve.2.4.3 CorridorA well-designed school has corridors that accommodate the free and informal motion of pupils. The narrow corridor normally requires formal, regimented, and supervised traffic flow. The walls of corridors should be free of all projections. Heat units, imbibing fountains, fire asphyxiators, cabinets, doors, and show instances should be recessed in the involvement of pupil safety. Acoustic belongingss are desirable to cut down hall noise. Corridors should be good lighted, with exigency proviso in the event of chief power failure. Floor covering should be lasting, nonskid, and easy to keep. The maximal length of unbroken corridors should non transcend 150 pess to 200 pess longer subdivisions give an unwanted position.2.5 FORMAL SPACES2.5.1 CLASSROOMSClassrooms have comparatively straightforward demands: line of sight, good acoustics, and a focal point at the forepart of the room helping as the platform for instructors to talk. Physical restraints such as the ability of pupils to turn around in their seats, can restrict the success of a designed schoolroom infinite. The room may be designed for pupil coaction. Seatings may be arranged in mated rows with specially design chairs that allow pupils to confront each other for coaction. Apart from the schoolroom and formal infinites, educational establishments are besides designed with the proviso of informal infinites in head.2.5.2 OfficesThe finding of whether an office or cell will be assigned is based on an person ‘s occupation description and place within the organisation. Factors such as confidentiality or security demands, figure of employees supervised and particular equipment demands will be evaluated. Offices should be placed near the inside nucleus infinite. This increases the incursion of natural visible radiation into the edifice. When it is impractical to turn up offices near the inside nucleus, door running lights and borrowed visible radiations should be considered to convey daytime into the interior infinites. Translucent glazing such as frosted or patterned glass can be used if there is a ocular privateness demand. Offices located in the inside of the edifice infinite should be provided with a door or running light assembly or a borrowed visi ble radiation ( interior window ) in at least one wall at a tallness above the finished floor that allows ocular privateness while conveying visible radiation from the exterior.2.6 REQUIREMENTS OF LECTURE HALL SPACES( The followers demands of a schoolroom design have been taken from the â€Å"University of Maryland, Baltimore County General Lecture Hall Design Guidelines, and Revised August 25, 2000 ) . Physical Access and Movement – The design shall take into history the flow of pupils both in and out of the infinite and within the infinite every bit good as the demand for the teacher to travel about in the forepart of the room. 1. Sufficient infinite is needed near the forepart of the room for puting up audiovisual equipment, such as projection screens and charts. 2. Ceilings should be a upper limit of 9.5 pess high. 3. Light from Windowss should, if possible, come over a student ‘s left shoulder. No lector should be required to confront the Windowss when turn toing the category from the normal teaching place. 4. Ceilings and/or walls should be acoustically treated. 5. Floors should hold a cushioning stuff. 6. The schoolroom should hold as quiet a location as possible, off from noisy out-of-door countries. Ease of entree to specialise installations outside the academic unit should be ensured.2.6.1 DOORSThe flow of pupils should be the major factor in finding the location of entrywaies. Entrances should be located to avoid pupil traffic go throughing through non-instructional countries. In add-on, big Numberss of pupils going in corridors and hallways can bring forth unwanted noise. In finding the size of entrywaies and issues, constructing codifications should non be the lone standard. The flow of pupils in and out of suites can hold a major impact on size of entrywaies and issues. The design of entrywaies, issues, stepss, corridors, and exterior waies should take into history between-class pupil traffic. For illustration, it is non realistic to presume that a room will be wholly vacant when pupils begin geting for the following category. Provision should hence be made for vision panels in entryway doors. They could be tinted. Besides, proviso should be made for door Michigans to protect the wall surface.2.6.2 FLOOR, WALLS AND CEILINGSIn smaller schoolrooms, it is common to utilize vinyl composing tile or rug. Rug should be provided in all suites unless subject particular related classs dictate otherwise. The ceiling tallness is another of import consideration when planing the infinite. For illustration, because a projection screen must be big plenty to expose images of equal size, it must be placed high plenty from the floor to supply unobstructed sight lines. This normally requires a ceiling tallness higher than the standard eight pess.2.6.3 NOISE CONTROLOther of import factors must be considered in the design. To avoid the noise generated by their operation and usage, peddling machines must be located as far off as possible. Trash and recycling containers should be located near the peddling machines. Restrooms and imbibing fountains should be located nearby and should be designed to manage pupil usage between categories. To forestall unwanted noise transmittal, public toilets should non portion common walls, floors, or ceilings with instructional infinites

Intro To Exercise Science Notes

Movement of the body Adaptations to movement How has EXECS evolved? Role of Pays DE Harvard Fatigue Laboratory Krause-Weber test results Professional associations American College of Sports Medicine (CACM) Developed as a â€Å"unique blend of physical education, medicine, and physiology† Provides significant public outreach Works to shape public policy Disseminates scholarly research Broad-based coursework Anatomy and physiology Biological sciences Chemistry and biochemistry Human development and psychology Mathematics and statistics PhysicsNervous System Primary functions Control systems of the body Primary component – neuron Responds to acute challenges of the body Important consideration in: Disease conditions (e. G. Cerebral palsy) Sport performance (e. G. Controlling movement) Afferent Nerves: send signals to the brain Efferent Nerves: send signals from brain to the organ/muscle Muscular System Primary function: Provide movement Primary component Types of muscle: S keletal Cardiac Smooth – muscle fiber Hypertrophy: increase in size of muscle Atrophy: decrease in size of muscleSkeletal System Primary functions: Structural framework for the body Protects underlying organs and tissues Provides a lever system for movement Serves as a storage area for minerals Primary component – minerals and cells bone Osteoporosis is a serious disease condition: bones get brittle/weak Estonian: when bones get soft Cardiovascular System Transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, electrolytes, and drugs Removing waste products from the body Primary component – heart, blood vessels, and blood Urinary System Elimination of waste productsRegulation of fluid volume, electrolyte composition, and pH Primary component – kidney Hypertension can be influenced by increasing the amount of fluid removed by the kidneys Endocrine System Regulation of physiologic function and systems of the body Primary components – endocrine glands Development o f insulin resistance leads to a disease condition known as metabolic syndrome Go over the clustering of metabolic syndrome risk factors Exercise Physiology: Study of the functional and physiologic responses and adaptations that occur during and following physical activity and exercise.

Fashion in the 1920s

Women's Fashion In The sass After the end of World War l, the United States president, Warren G. Harding, claimed that he wanted to return to normalcy and to bring back the peace following the years of war; society did change, but it was no where near what it had been before the war (Margarita 14). â€Å"The reactionary temper of the sass and the repressive movements it spawned arose as reactions to a much-publicized social and intellectual revolution that threatened to rip America from it old moorings† (Tindal 800). During this time, the 18th Amendment was passed in order to maintain society's previous morals and tankards.Many Americans saw the consumption of alcohol as a sin and did not want their society to lose their morals (Margarita 8). Shortly after its passage, the 19th Amendment was passed allowing women the right to vote; instead of having a passive role in society, women were beginning to be more proactive. The appearance of woman in society did not stop work place; instead, because of prohibition and the popularity of speakeasies, women were welcomed and populated such venues. Tuxedoed men accompanied women wearing the latest fashions filled the latest clubs (Margarita 27).Traditionally, 1920 was seen as marking a clear divide in the chronology of women's affairs: the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the vote ended years of struggle, and with the ‘liberation' of the war, which destroyed old stereotypes, led on to the ‘New Woman' of the sass† (Wynn 133). World War I was the turning point from traditional values to a newly enlightened America, a rebellious youth, and newly freed women; as art reflects society, the emancipation and celebration following the war is reflected in the style and fashion that came alive in this new era.Beautiful coordinated and accessories outfits were a feature of sass's ladies fashion, [which consisted of] hats, shoes, stockings, handbags, dresses and Jewelry [that] all came togethe r in perfect harmony to create a unique and elegant style† (Scott). This style portrayed the times as Americans began to stray from the past and the old American ways. â€Å"During those years a cosmopolitan urban America confronted an insular, rural America† leading to the development of urban cities (Tindal 800).In these populated cities, people began to let loose as â€Å"Prohibition indirectly led to bootlegging and speakeasies, while the rowing rebelliousness of teenagers highlighted the generation gap† (Drowned back cover). Participation in these illegal venues had been unheard of in the previous decades, but these changing times encouraged the promotion of such activities and these environments called for a certain style and fashion. â€Å"The Twenties did roar, and this volume shows the many colorful ways the decade altered America, its people, and its future† (Drowned back cover). This ‘new woman' [that arose] eagerly discarded the constrain ing fashions of the nineteenth century – pinched-in corsets, conforming petticoats, and floor-length dresses† (Tindal 801). As the times were changing, their fashion changed in order to reflect â€Å"the rebellion against prudishness and a loosening of inhibitions† (Tindal 801). These new trends shocked the old-timers as the â€Å"the revolution in manners and morals, evidenced first among young people† were represented in their clothing (Tindal 800). As women were beginning to live more freely, their style reflected the same attitude. In 1919 women's skirts were typically six inches about the ground; [but] by 1927 they were at the knee, and the flapper' was providing a shocking model of the new feminism† (Tindal 801). These omen portrayed â€Å"a period of escapism, a youthful reaction against the dark and serious clothes, behavior and mood of an older generation still clinging to old Victorian and Edwardian values† (Herald 6). They were star ting to represent the idea behind the ‘new women. ‘ During this time the girls are actually tempting the boys more than the boys do the girls, by their dress and conversation† straying away from old traditions (Tindal 801).They began â€Å"a move[meet] toward breaking down national boundaries in everything from finance to style – [which] was a theme that ran through the decade† (Herald 6). Women's fashion reflected the change in attitude evident following the war. Fashion followed the new needs of the wearers and the more rebellious consumers in urban American society. â€Å"The passing of bustles and corsets gave clothing designers much greater freedom of expression resulting in innovative styling† (Scott). This permitted the newly reformed lifestyle and attitude to be expressed in women's clothing.In came â€Å"the new and colorful fabrics [that] echoed the Joy felt by a war weary population following the end of hostilities† as well as the â€Å"slim, streamlined look of the twentieth century,† which represented â€Å"youth, ability, and a freer form of sexual expression† (Scott; Blackjacks 133). Women now had the freedom to express themselves and not worry about the opinion of the public. They no longer had to be concerned with their modesty as the ideals began to yield â€Å"to modern sensibilities,† they began to expose their limbs and a â€Å"tight encasement of the[IR] torso† (Blackjacks 133).Society demand brought the new style as they insisted â€Å"that clothes be appropriate for the time of day, the activity, or the formality of the occasion†¦ The higher someone's rank, [depicted the amount of] clothes they needed to meet society demands† (Herald 11). In addition, fashion made improvements towards practical clothing as â€Å"women's underwear changed . With corsets becoming smaller and more flexible, and modern style bras being introduced†¦ [providing] shape and support whereas the older style tended to flatten breasts and constrict the chest† (Scott).Another practical need emerged with the growing popularity of the speakeasies. Women were welcome and where the women are, the men will be and the women were flocking these clubs and actively dancing the night away. â€Å"Flappers, as the trendy young women were called in the U. S. Wore short dresses with a straight loose silhouette. By 1927 seams had risen to Just below the knee, so that part of the knee could be seen when dancing the Charleston† (Scott). â€Å"Flapper fashion featured bobbed hair, minimal undergarments, gauzy fabrics, and sheer stockings† so that they could be free to move while dancing (Tindal 801). Although the sass did abound with flappers and would be flappers, the decade also hosted†¦ Women asserting new power† (Coot 413). And while the flappers' new needs were sought out, fashion also created new opportunities in the workforce for Hes s brave and powerful women. Along with the 19th amendment allowing women's voice and freedom, fashion opened up new Job opportunities that were available to women. â€Å"Women were beginning to enter male-dominated profession, where male clerks were generally being replaced by women typists and secretaries† (Herald 11).The â€Å"office girls needed a whole new wardrobe of smart day wear [as they began working] with new-fangled machines† (Herald 11). These Jobs of â€Å"dressmaking and millinery courses in particular were embraced by women who wanted the new fashions but couldn't afford the retail prices† (Scott). Some women moved into new vocations created by the burgeoning consumer culture such as accounting assistants and departments store clerks† (Tindal 802). â€Å"All the big department stores had mail-order catalogs where you could order clothes for men, women, and children† and have them delivered (Scott).This meant country people had easy ac cess to city fashions for the first time† (Scott). Others were looking to create full part-time Jobs for themselves† (Scott). They also wanted to â€Å"support their fatherless families or to earn extra income to spend on the new luxuries. Working omen also embraced the relatively inexpensive ready-made clothes a mass production of contemporary clothing became common. † (Scott). As the times began to change, the clothes and their designers followed suit.Style and design of fashion changed as women's clothing became â€Å"lighter (due to less material and new synthetic fabrics) and brighter and shorter that ever before† (Scott). Fashion designers experimented with colors, patterns, and fabrics for textures. Evening dresses, coats and Jackets were often trimmed with fur. Hemlines rose for most of the decade† (Scott). One of the influential designers of the decade was Hattie Carnegie, known for her â€Å"personal taste and fashion sense, [which] influen ced the styles worn by countless American women† (Shaw). She sought to â€Å"interpret European style for American consumers† and her style was welcomed as it had â€Å"a guarantee of sophistication and propriety' (Shaw). Carnegie had â€Å"an approach to fashion that emphasized consummate polish in every outfit† (Shaw). Eventually she â€Å"made her name synonymous with American high fashion for almost half a century' (Shaw). â€Å"The Carnegie customer, whatever her age, seems to have been neither girlish nor attorney, but possessed of a certain decorousness† portraying the turn in attitude as well as fashion (Shaw).As the event of changing style, different fabrics were introduced changing the shape, feel, and mood of fashion. â€Å"The sass opened with an explosion of color† as the education of fabric became known and lines were becoming more demonstrated through out the style (Herald 6). Hattie Carnegie â€Å"often stressed the importance of black as a wardrobe basic for both day and evening† (Shaw). The color blue was known as â€Å"a standard color for woman's dress† in the sass's (Scott). Fashion designers used color to portray different emotions.Colors such as green were notorious for being â€Å"very restful to the eye [as] light orange is too bright to be used freely' (Scott). Later the â€Å"Barberry Company introduced its trademark red/camel/black-and-white check in the twenties as a lining for the trench coat† that is still popular today (Herald 6). As women were beginning to understand the use of the textiles, they began to see their â€Å"possibilities and make the most of them† (Scott). Fashion helped the women express their individuality as their role of the ‘new woman' was taking form.The transformation in American culture and society would not have been possible without World War l. Whether it was the celebrations for the end of the war or the results of 18th and 19th Ame ndments, society transformed from traditional values to new, enlightened customs. The celebrations, speakeasies, and superfluous lifestyles demented change and woman paved the way with fashion. Not only did women's fashion change, the new ‘modern women' was born. During this era known as the ‘Roaring Twenties' women were given the right to vote and more importantly, the right to live more freely throughout society. Fashion in the 1920s â€Å"Fashion is one of the greatest forces in present-day life. It pervades every field and reaches every class†¦. It has always been a factor in human life but never more forceful, never more influential and never wider in scope than in the last decade, and it gives every indication of growing still more important. † So with everything in mind, we can really agree with him when he said that it was more than an expression of individual taste; it was instead a statement of group membership, of involvement in the currents of one's time. â€Å"To be out of fashion,† he wrote, â€Å"is, indeed, to be out of the world.During the decade technology vastly improved which helped spread the word about what people were wearing and driving and how they were decorating their homes or designing their public buildings. Improved communication meant that a large proportion of the general population was exposed to the latest fashion trends and responded, positively or negatively, to them. During the sass the most distinctive clothing styles originated in Europe: in France for women's attire and in England for men's. Coco Channel was one of the first women designers to adopt the new era of clothing, which meant that she adopted a more boyish look.She replaced the corset with lighter clothing that wasn't so restrictive. Throughout the years dresses kept getting shorter and the backs lower. â€Å"By 1925 dresses were the shortest in history – an act of the devil, some thought. † Many people were so outraged that they passed laws in the states of Ohio and Utah that the hem length of ladies gowns had to be seven inches from the floor but these responses from mature adults simply increased young women's fondness for their short skirts and cosmetics. After all, what fun is it to rebel if nobody notices or cares? But what are some major reasons for this changes in women fashion?The first one is that after the war women continued to work outside their h ome, so the clothes had to be altered to allow for an ease of movement. Also with the lack of men due to the war, women began wearing more alluring clothing to attract a husband. The ratification of the 19th Amendment also played a major role as women soon began wearing loose pantsuits called ‘pajama suits', a direct result of the newly gained right to vote and the strong cries for further female empowerment. Probably, one of the first images that pops into your head when you hear the word sass fashion is the Flapper which is the symbol of the oaring twenties.It embodied the decades modern fashion elements such as short sleek hair, a short shapeless dress, a flat chest, and exposed limbs. Flappers also had a reputation that added to their style as well; they smoked from long cigarette holders, applied makeup in public and danced to Jazz with reckless abandonment of propriety. Men of this time wore suits, day suits, formal suits, all different kinds of suits. Along with their s uits, they wore a hat according to their class in society: the upper class wore top hats, middle class wore a fedora, and the working class wore a flat cap or no cap at all.To complete their ensemble they wore black patent leather shoes or saddle shoes. As well as the classic suit, flannel, twill, knickerbockers, and sweaters were a more commonly seen casual wear among men of all ages, Then around 1925 â€Å"Oxford bags† were introduced to the public, after being worn as a kind of uniform for Oxford University students. This style grew and grew and before you knew all the young men were wearing them. As the decade progressed, the automobile increasingly became another definer of status and social class in America, both for young people and their parent's. Henry Ford's Model T, which dominated the U. S. Rake until it went out of production in 1927, gave middle-class and even lower-middle-class citizens affordable, reliable transportation. The quintessential expression of Ameri can energy and optimism in the sass was the skyscraper, the great tower that aspired toward heaven and dominated the earth (rather, the urban streets) below. Throughout the sass, then, a concern for fashion, for style as a social and cultural delineated, flourished. Fashion developments in attire, in architecture, and in automobiles helped to define the decade and these developments proved more pervasive and more influential than they had ever been in the past. Fashion in the 1920s Women's Fashion In The sass After the end of World War l, the United States president, Warren G. Harding, claimed that he wanted to return to normalcy and to bring back the peace following the years of war; society did change, but it was no where near what it had been before the war (Margarita 14). â€Å"The reactionary temper of the sass and the repressive movements it spawned arose as reactions to a much-publicized social and intellectual revolution that threatened to rip America from it old moorings† (Tindal 800). During this time, the 18th Amendment was passed in order to maintain society's previous morals and tankards.Many Americans saw the consumption of alcohol as a sin and did not want their society to lose their morals (Margarita 8). Shortly after its passage, the 19th Amendment was passed allowing women the right to vote; instead of having a passive role in society, women were beginning to be more proactive. The appearance of woman in society did not stop work place; instead, because of prohibition and the popularity of speakeasies, women were welcomed and populated such venues. Tuxedoed men accompanied women wearing the latest fashions filled the latest clubs (Margarita 27).Traditionally, 1920 was seen as marking a clear divide in the chronology of women's affairs: the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the vote ended years of struggle, and with the ‘liberation' of the war, which destroyed old stereotypes, led on to the ‘New Woman' of the sass† (Wynn 133). World War I was the turning point from traditional values to a newly enlightened America, a rebellious youth, and newly freed women; as art reflects society, the emancipation and celebration following the war is reflected in the style and fashion that came alive in this new era.Beautiful coordinated and accessories outfits were a feature of sass's ladies fashion, [which consisted of] hats, shoes, stockings, handbags, dresses and Jewelry [that] all came togethe r in perfect harmony to create a unique and elegant style† (Scott). This style portrayed the times as Americans began to stray from the past and the old American ways. â€Å"During those years a cosmopolitan urban America confronted an insular, rural America† leading to the development of urban cities (Tindal 800).In these populated cities, people began to let loose as â€Å"Prohibition indirectly led to bootlegging and speakeasies, while the rowing rebelliousness of teenagers highlighted the generation gap† (Drowned back cover). Participation in these illegal venues had been unheard of in the previous decades, but these changing times encouraged the promotion of such activities and these environments called for a certain style and fashion. â€Å"The Twenties did roar, and this volume shows the many colorful ways the decade altered America, its people, and its future† (Drowned back cover). This ‘new woman' [that arose] eagerly discarded the constrain ing fashions of the nineteenth century – pinched-in corsets, conforming petticoats, and floor-length dresses† (Tindal 801). As the times were changing, their fashion changed in order to reflect â€Å"the rebellion against prudishness and a loosening of inhibitions† (Tindal 801). These new trends shocked the old-timers as the â€Å"the revolution in manners and morals, evidenced first among young people† were represented in their clothing (Tindal 800). As women were beginning to live more freely, their style reflected the same attitude. In 1919 women's skirts were typically six inches about the ground; [but] by 1927 they were at the knee, and the flapper' was providing a shocking model of the new feminism† (Tindal 801). These omen portrayed â€Å"a period of escapism, a youthful reaction against the dark and serious clothes, behavior and mood of an older generation still clinging to old Victorian and Edwardian values† (Herald 6). They were star ting to represent the idea behind the ‘new women. ‘ During this time the girls are actually tempting the boys more than the boys do the girls, by their dress and conversation† straying away from old traditions (Tindal 801).They began â€Å"a move[meet] toward breaking down national boundaries in everything from finance to style – [which] was a theme that ran through the decade† (Herald 6). Women's fashion reflected the change in attitude evident following the war. Fashion followed the new needs of the wearers and the more rebellious consumers in urban American society. â€Å"The passing of bustles and corsets gave clothing designers much greater freedom of expression resulting in innovative styling† (Scott). This permitted the newly reformed lifestyle and attitude to be expressed in women's clothing.In came â€Å"the new and colorful fabrics [that] echoed the Joy felt by a war weary population following the end of hostilities† as well as the â€Å"slim, streamlined look of the twentieth century,† which represented â€Å"youth, ability, and a freer form of sexual expression† (Scott; Blackjacks 133). Women now had the freedom to express themselves and not worry about the opinion of the public. They no longer had to be concerned with their modesty as the ideals began to yield â€Å"to modern sensibilities,† they began to expose their limbs and a â€Å"tight encasement of the[IR] torso† (Blackjacks 133).Society demand brought the new style as they insisted â€Å"that clothes be appropriate for the time of day, the activity, or the formality of the occasion†¦ The higher someone's rank, [depicted the amount of] clothes they needed to meet society demands† (Herald 11). In addition, fashion made improvements towards practical clothing as â€Å"women's underwear changed . With corsets becoming smaller and more flexible, and modern style bras being introduced†¦ [providing] shape and support whereas the older style tended to flatten breasts and constrict the chest† (Scott).Another practical need emerged with the growing popularity of the speakeasies. Women were welcome and where the women are, the men will be and the women were flocking these clubs and actively dancing the night away. â€Å"Flappers, as the trendy young women were called in the U. S. Wore short dresses with a straight loose silhouette. By 1927 seams had risen to Just below the knee, so that part of the knee could be seen when dancing the Charleston† (Scott). â€Å"Flapper fashion featured bobbed hair, minimal undergarments, gauzy fabrics, and sheer stockings† so that they could be free to move while dancing (Tindal 801). Although the sass did abound with flappers and would be flappers, the decade also hosted†¦ Women asserting new power† (Coot 413). And while the flappers' new needs were sought out, fashion also created new opportunities in the workforce for Hes s brave and powerful women. Along with the 19th amendment allowing women's voice and freedom, fashion opened up new Job opportunities that were available to women. â€Å"Women were beginning to enter male-dominated profession, where male clerks were generally being replaced by women typists and secretaries† (Herald 11).The â€Å"office girls needed a whole new wardrobe of smart day wear [as they began working] with new-fangled machines† (Herald 11). These Jobs of â€Å"dressmaking and millinery courses in particular were embraced by women who wanted the new fashions but couldn't afford the retail prices† (Scott). Some women moved into new vocations created by the burgeoning consumer culture such as accounting assistants and departments store clerks† (Tindal 802). â€Å"All the big department stores had mail-order catalogs where you could order clothes for men, women, and children† and have them delivered (Scott).This meant country people had easy ac cess to city fashions for the first time† (Scott). Others were looking to create full part-time Jobs for themselves† (Scott). They also wanted to â€Å"support their fatherless families or to earn extra income to spend on the new luxuries. Working omen also embraced the relatively inexpensive ready-made clothes a mass production of contemporary clothing became common. † (Scott). As the times began to change, the clothes and their designers followed suit.Style and design of fashion changed as women's clothing became â€Å"lighter (due to less material and new synthetic fabrics) and brighter and shorter that ever before† (Scott). Fashion designers experimented with colors, patterns, and fabrics for textures. Evening dresses, coats and Jackets were often trimmed with fur. Hemlines rose for most of the decade† (Scott). One of the influential designers of the decade was Hattie Carnegie, known for her â€Å"personal taste and fashion sense, [which] influen ced the styles worn by countless American women† (Shaw). She sought to â€Å"interpret European style for American consumers† and her style was welcomed as it had â€Å"a guarantee of sophistication and propriety' (Shaw). Carnegie had â€Å"an approach to fashion that emphasized consummate polish in every outfit† (Shaw). Eventually she â€Å"made her name synonymous with American high fashion for almost half a century' (Shaw). â€Å"The Carnegie customer, whatever her age, seems to have been neither girlish nor attorney, but possessed of a certain decorousness† portraying the turn in attitude as well as fashion (Shaw).As the event of changing style, different fabrics were introduced changing the shape, feel, and mood of fashion. â€Å"The sass opened with an explosion of color† as the education of fabric became known and lines were becoming more demonstrated through out the style (Herald 6). Hattie Carnegie â€Å"often stressed the importance of black as a wardrobe basic for both day and evening† (Shaw). The color blue was known as â€Å"a standard color for woman's dress† in the sass's (Scott). Fashion designers used color to portray different emotions.Colors such as green were notorious for being â€Å"very restful to the eye [as] light orange is too bright to be used freely' (Scott). Later the â€Å"Barberry Company introduced its trademark red/camel/black-and-white check in the twenties as a lining for the trench coat† that is still popular today (Herald 6). As women were beginning to understand the use of the textiles, they began to see their â€Å"possibilities and make the most of them† (Scott). Fashion helped the women express their individuality as their role of the ‘new woman' was taking form.The transformation in American culture and society would not have been possible without World War l. Whether it was the celebrations for the end of the war or the results of 18th and 19th Ame ndments, society transformed from traditional values to new, enlightened customs. The celebrations, speakeasies, and superfluous lifestyles demented change and woman paved the way with fashion. Not only did women's fashion change, the new ‘modern women' was born. During this era known as the ‘Roaring Twenties' women were given the right to vote and more importantly, the right to live more freely throughout society.

Taking a Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Taking a Final Exam - Essay Example This will not result in a high grade because information needs to be taken in gradually. If you have revised all your study material leading up to the exam, then it is best not to do any study on the day of the exam because your mind needs to be relaxed and at ease. Carrying on from this idea, part of your preparation is getting enough rest the night before a crucial exam. The likelihood is that tiredness will cause you to perform below your capabilities. A rested mind increases the chances of doing well because you will be able to think clearly when answering each question. Furthermore, you can better prepare for a final exam by giving yourself short quizzes to check if you know the material. This can be best done with one of your classmates—you can even quiz each other. These questions should simple questions from your textbook. In conclusion, exam preparation is a key part of performing well on a final exam. If you fail to prepare properly for a final exam, then you should expect to do poorly. On the other hand, if you study all your material, rest your mind, and quiz yourself, the chances of scoring highly will increase dramatically. The more of these tips that can be done means it is more likely that you will attain a good